Why Study at Manchester

The most recent UK government assessment of University research output placed Manchester amongst the elite Computer Science departments in the UK. The assessment, carried out in 2008, reaffirms our position as one of the world's leading computer science departments.

We have students from across the world on both our research and taught programmes, all of which are based on the School's world-class research activities. As a result we have a friendly, cosmopolitan, and vibrant postgraduate school where students are central to the development of new technologies.

The great strength of the School is in the breadth and depth of our postgraduate programmes. Some of the world's most eminent Computer Scientists work here in Manchester in areas ranging from artificial intelligence to virtual reality systems.

Some of the world's most eminent Computer Scientists work here in Manchester in areas ranging from artificial intelligence to the information processing and the development and improvement of the world wide web.

Manchester is the birthplace of Computer Science, having seen the creation of the world's first stored-program digital computer in 1948. The computer, or 'Baby' as it was affectionately known, ran it's first program at 11o'clock on June 21st 1948. The program, to find the highest factor of a number, was written by Tom Kilburn who along with F.C (Freddie) Williams, designed and built the machine. It was the first in a long line of pioneering developments in the field of computing at Manchester.

• School's history pages.

As you would expect from leaders in the field, we offer some of the most up to date facilities in the world. Amongst the wide range of facilities available to you are:

• Access to world leading academic staff
• Collaborative working labs complete with specialist computing and audio visual equipment to support group working.
• Over 300 Computers in the School dedicated exclusively for the use of our students.
• An Advanced Interfaces Laboratory to explore real time collaborative working;
• A Nanotechnology Centre for the fabrication of new generation electronic devices;
• An e-Science Centre and Access Grid facility for world wide collaboration over the internet.
• Access to a range of Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)
• Specialist electronic system design and computer engineering tools

Manchester postgraduate students benefit from the School strong industrial links. Employers, from world leading multinational companies to smaller local organisations, actively target our students, recognising that Manchester graduates are amongst the highest quality in the UK and equiped with the skills to add real value to heir businesses. Furthermore, Manchester Postgrads are given the opportunity to interact with industry throughout the duration of the programme. Industrial guest lectures, teach talks, company presentations, and industrial projects are core features of the Manchester experience. The School also consults widely with industrial partners to ensure what we teach is industrially relevant.

The IT Leadership Forum is just one example of how the unique Manchester learning experience is balanced with the latest experiences and techniques from industry.

Manchester Informatics is the school's industrial liaison, teaching and exploitation unit.

The University Enterprise Centre, provides students with a practical knowledge to grow and exploit entrepreneurial skills and ideas.

The School's strength in pushing the boundaries of technological change is evident in the success of its spin out companies.

The value of a Manchester Computer Science degree is reinforced by our close ties with industry. Employers, from larger multinationals such as EA Games, IBM and Microsoft to small local organisations, actively seek out our students for projects, sponsorships, placements and graduate jobs.

A significant number of our graduates also go on to undertake research and higher degrees.

The Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the British Computer Society (BCS) fully accredit the following:

• Advanced Computer Science MSc
• Advanced Computer Science with IT Management MSc

This accreditation means that successfully completing one of these programme fulfils the academic requirements associated with becoming a member of these institutions.